Overview of USGFX

Union Standard Group (USG) is an Australian investment firm that provides access to trade forex and CFDs under the brand name ‘USGFX’. The brand began operations in 2005 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia with subsidiaries in London and Asia. This broker offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, which can be traded on the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms.

USGFX prides itself on its commitment to customer service, with a 24/5 customer support team available to assist traders with their queries. The broker also offers educational resources such as webinars, ebooks, and video tutorials, as well as a free demo account for traders to practice their strategies. In addition, USGFX offers a range of account types to cater to the needs of different traders, including Standard, Pro, and VIP accounts.

Is USGFX legit or a scam？

USGFX has received mixed reviews and there have been reports of some traders experiencing issues with withdrawals and customer support. USGFX had their ASIC and FSC licenses suspended and VFSC license revoked in 2020 due to concerns over their compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly in regards to client money handling and risk management procedures. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands suspended USGFX's licenses for six months, while the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) permanently revoked their licenses.

Regulated brokers are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding client funds, transparency, and risk management. In the event of any dispute or issue, traders have recourse through the regulatory body. With an unregulated broker, there is no such protection, and traders may be at a higher risk of fraud or other unethical practices

Pros & Cons

Here let's take a closer look at the good and bad things about USGFX. On the plus side, they offer a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including Forex, commodities, and indices. Their trading platforms are also pretty user-friendly and easy to navigate. On the downside, their regulatory status is questionable, which could be a red flag for some traders. Plus, they don't accept clients from certain countries, so you'll want to make sure you're eligible before signing up.

Market Instruments

USGFX offers a range of financial instruments for trading, including forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, and shares of popular companies. Some examples of the instruments offered by USGFX are:

• Forex currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD

• Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum

• Energy commodities such as crude oil and natural gas

• Indices such as S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225

• Shares of popular companies like Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft

Account Types

USGFX offers four different types of trading accounts to cater to the needs of different traders:

• MINI Account: This is the entry-level account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. Traders with this account type can trade a wide range of instruments with low trading costs, access to educational resources, and 24/5 customer support. However, this account type comes with limited features, such as lower leverage and limited trading tools.

• Standard Account: The standard account requires a minimum deposit of $10,000 and comes with additional features such as higher leverage, access to more trading tools, and a dedicated account manager. Traders with this account type can also enjoy free VPS hosting and regular market analysis.

• VIP Account: This account type is designed for high-volume traders with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. In addition to the features of the standard account, VIP account holders can enjoy custom trading strategies, priority customer support, and exclusive market insights.

• Pro-ECN Account: The Pro-ECN account is designed for experienced traders and institutions with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. This account type offers ECN trading with no dealing desk, ultra-low spreads, and high execution speeds. Traders with this account type can also access premium research tools and institutional-grade liquidity.

How to open an account with USGFX？

Opening an account with USGFX is pretty straightforward and you need to follow these steps:

1. First, you need to go to their website and click on the “Open Account” button.

1. Then, you'll need to fill in some personal details, like your name, email address, and phone number. After that, you'll need to choose the type of account you want to open and provide some additional information, like your date of birth and proof of identity.

1. Once you've completed the registration process, you'll be able to deposit funds into your account and start trading. Just keep in mind that depending on the type of account you've chosen, there may be different deposit and withdrawal requirements.

Leverage

USGFX offers flexible leverage options ranging from 1:1 to 500:1, depending on the account type and instrument traded. It is important for traders to understand the risks involved with using high leverage and to use it judiciously. Additionally, some instruments may have lower leverage options due to market conditions or regulatory requirements. Traders should check with the broker regarding the available leverage options for specific instruments.

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

USGFX offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow depending on market conditions. The average spread for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD is around 2-3 pips. Commissions are not charged for forex trading, but there are swap fees for holding positions overnight.

For trading other instruments like commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, USGFX charges a fixed spread. The size of the spread varies depending on the instrument traded. For example, the spread for gold is typically around $0.50 per ounce, while the spread for Bitcoin is around $60 per lot.

Non Trading Fees

Apart from spreads and commissions, USGFX also charges several non-trading fees. These fees can add up and affect your overall trading experience, so it's important to be aware of them.

One such fee is the inactivity fee. This fee is charged to your account if you haven't made any trades or withdrawals for a specified period of time. The fee amount varies depending on the type of account you have and how long you've been inactive.

Another fee to be aware of is the withdrawal fee. While USGFX doesn't charge a deposit fee, they do charge a fee for each withdrawal you make from your account. This fee is a fixed amount and varies depending on the payment method you choose for your withdrawal.

USGFX also charges a swap fee, which is a fee charged for holding positions overnight. This fee can be a credit or debit depending on the direction of your position and the interest rates of the currencies you are trading.

Lastly, USGFX may charge a conversion fee if you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency that is different from the base currency of your trading account. The conversion fee is a percentage of the amount being converted and can add up if you frequently deposit or withdraw in different currencies.

Trading Platforms

USGFX offers its clients the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are highly popular among traders worldwide. These platforms are equipped with a range of trading tools, including charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and trading robots, making them suitable for traders of all levels.

MT4 is a well-established platform that has been around for over 15 years. It is known for its user-friendly interface, ease of use, and a wide range of trading tools. MT5, on the other hand, is the latest version of the platform, which was introduced in 2010. It offers several advanced features, such as more technical analysis tools, a multi-threaded strategy tester, and an economic calendar.

One of the significant advantages of MT4 and MT5 is that they are compatible with a range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time.

Here's how USGFX's trading platform stacks up against other brokers' platforms:

Deposits and Withdrawals

Minimum Deposit

USGFX has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is pretty reasonable compared to some other brokers out there. It means that even if you're just starting out with trading and don't have a lot of money to invest, you can still give it a go with USGFX. Of course, you won't be able to make huge trades for just $100, but it's a good starting point to get your feet wet and learn the ropes of trading.

USGFX offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. Deposits can be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and FasaPay. The processing time and fees for each method may vary.

Withdrawals can also be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. However, it is important to note that there may be fees associated with withdrawals, depending on the method chosen. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

Also, USGFX may apply internal fees to withdrawals that are not actively traded. For example, if you make a deposit and then withdraw it without trading, USGFX may apply a fee of up to 3% of the deposit amount.

Customer Support

USGFX offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. The broker has dedicated support teams in different regions to cater to clients' needs. Customer support is available 24/5, and clients can contact the broker through the website's contact form or through the provided phone numbers and email addresses.

USGFX also has an extensive FAQ section on its website that covers different aspects of trading, including account management, deposit and withdrawal, and trading platforms.

Educational Resources

USGFX offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills in trading. The broker provides free webinars, video tutorials, e-books, and other resources to help traders learn about various topics such as technical analysis, risk management, trading strategies, and more. Additionally, USGFX offers a demo account, which traders can use to practice trading in a risk-free environment.

The educational resources provided by USGFX can be accessed through the broker's website or the trading platform. The resources are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to traders from different countries. Traders can also interact with the broker's experts and other traders through online forums and social media channels.

Conclusion

USGFX is a forex broker that offers trading services in a variety of markets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker offers several account types with varying minimum deposit requirements, allowing traders to choose an account that suits their trading needs. However, the broker's regulation has been a point of concern, with its licenses revoked by various regulatory authorities. This, coupled with negative reviews from clients and the low ranking score, raises questions about the broker's trustworthiness.

FAQs

• Q: Is USGFX a regulated broker？

A: USGFX was previously regulated by ASIC, FSC, and VFSC, but their licenses have been revoked due to regulatory violations.

• Q: What trading platforms does USGFX offer？

A: USGFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement to open an account with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a MINI account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a maximum leverage of up to 500:1 for forex trading.

• Q: What are the available payment methods for deposits and withdrawals with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers various payment methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and electronic payment systems such as Neteller and Skrill.

• Q: Does USGFX offer educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, USGFX provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, and trading tutorials.

Overview of Monex Group

Monex Group, Inc. is a financial services company based in Japan. It was founded in 1999 and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. The company offers various trading platforms, including Monex Trader for stocks and futures, Monex Trader FX for forex trading, Multiboard 500, Full Board Information Tool, Market Board, and Monex Vision.

Monex Group provides a wide range of tradable assets to its clients. These include domestic stocks, US stocks, Chinese stocks, investment trusts, bonds, initial public offerings (IPOs), stock lending services, ETFs, foreign exchange currency pairs, cryptocurrency CFDs, and more.

The specific account types and minimum deposit requirements are not specified in the available information. However, Monex Group offers customer support through email and phone. It provides various payment methods, such as instant deposit services, regular automatic deposit services, ATM deposits through Monex Saison cards, and bank transfers.

For educational purposes, Monex Group offers financial investment information and monthly disclosure of company information, news releases, and other resources to assist traders and investors in making informed decisions.

Is Monex Group legit or a scam？

Monex Group, represented by its licensed institution Monex Securities Inc. (マネックス証券株式会社), is a legitimate and regulated online securities company operating under the supervision of the Financial Services Agency in Japan. Since September 30, 2007, Monex Securities Inc. has held a retail forex license (License No.: 関東財務局長(金商)第165号), ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. The company's headquarters are located at 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, and they can be contacted at 03-4323-3800. This regulatory oversight and transparency contribute to the trustworthiness and credibility of Monex Group.

Pros and Cons

Monex Group, a reputable online securities company based in Tokyo, Japan, offers several advantages and drawbacks to consider. One of its significant strengths is being FSA-regulated, ensuring a level of security and adherence to regulatory standards. Additionally, Monex Group provides a diversified range of products and services, catering to the needs of various investors. Another advantage is the availability of multiple trading platform options, allowing traders to choose the one that suits their preferences. Moreover, Monex Group supports various payment methods, enhancing convenience for clients.

However, there are a couple of downsides to be aware of. Firstly, there is no clear information regarding the minimum deposit requirement, which may pose a challenge for potential investors. Secondly, the customer support provided by Monex Group is considered average, and some clients may have higher expectations in terms of responsiveness and assistance. Overall, Monex Group offers a regulated and diverse investment environment but could improve certain aspects like providing more transparent deposit information and enhancing customer support.

Market Instruments

Monex Group offers a comprehensive range of products and services to investors. These include domestic stocks, US stocks, Chinese stocks, investment trusts, bonds, IPOs, stock lending services, ETFs, foreign exchange currency pairs, cryptocurrency CFDs, and bonds. With such a diverse selection, investors have the opportunity to diversify their portfolios and access a wide range of investment options. Whether they are interested in stocks, bonds, or alternative investments like cryptocurrency, Monex Group aims to meet the diverse needs and preferences of its clients.

Commissions

The diverse lineup of products offered by MONEX is from 110 yen for physical trading to 99 yen for margin trading (tax included), both beginners and experienced traders can make a small investment at a reasonable price. The monthly Fixed Commission Process calculates the commission for the total daily contract amount, which traders can choose according to their needs. For example, the brokerage fee for China stocks (tax included) is 0.275% of the contract price (minimum fee HK$49.5, maximum fee HK$495). The fee for Nikkei 225 Mini Index is 38 yen per order, and the fee for Nikkei 225 Futures is 275 yen per order.

Trading Platforms

Monex Group provides a wide range of flexible trading platforms to cater to the needs of traders. These platforms include Monex Trader, which supports trading in stocks and futures, Monex Trader FX, specifically designed for forex trading, Multiboard 500, Full Board Information Tool, Market Board, and Monex Vision. These platforms offer different features and functionalities to enhance the trading experience and allow traders to access a variety of financial instruments. Whether traders are interested in stocks, futures, forex, or market information, Monex Group offers diverse options to suit their preferences and trading strategies.

TradeStation offers state-of-the-art trading technology and online electronic brokerage services to active individual and institutional traders. TradeStation has been able to leverage its award-winning technology solutions in global markets extending from Europe to Japan, China, and South Korea. TradeStations powerful yet convenient mobile and web trading apps let clients capitalize on trading opportunities virtually anytime anywhere, while its desktop platform provides all the tools needed to design, test, optimize, automate, and monitor custom equities, options and futures trading strategies. TradeStation also provides personalized support from fully licensed brokerage professionals, a vast array of educational offerings to help clients improve their trading skills, different accounts to meet every trading and investment objective, and simplified low-cost commission pricing.

Deposit & Withdrawal

MONEX provides investors with a diverse selection of deposit and withdrawal options, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Investors can choose from instant deposit services, regular automatic deposit services, ATM deposits through Monex Saison cards, and bank transfers. These options allow investors to easily fund their investment accounts and access their funds when needed. With a variety of choices available, MONEX aims to accommodate the preferences and requirements of its clients, making the deposit and withdrawal process efficient and user-friendly.

Customer Support

Clients with any inquiries or trading-related issues can easily contact MONEX through various accessible channels. They can reach out to MONEX via telephone at +81 0120-430-283 or send an email to feedback@monex.co.jp. Additionally, MONEX maintains an active presence on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, allowing clients to stay updated and engage with the company. These multiple contact channels provide clients with convenient options to seek assistance, receive support, and stay connected with MONEX, ensuring a responsive and interactive customer experience.

Education Resources

Monex Group claims to provide comprehensive educational resources for investors. Here are some key points about the educational resources offered by Monex Group:

1. For New Investors:

Monex Group provides tailored educational materials and resources specifically designed for new investors. These materials cover a wide range of topics, including investment basics, risk management, and investment strategies.

2. Financial Result Related Materials:

Monex Group regularly publishes financial result-related materials to keep investors informed about the company's performance. These materials include financial statements, earnings reports, and management commentary, providing a transparent view of the company's financial health.

3. IR Library:

Monex Group maintains an extensive IR (Investor Relations) library, which serves as a repository for various important documents. This library includes consolidated financial summaries, presentation materials, and the annual report, offering comprehensive information about the company's operations and performance.

4. Stock & Rating Information:

Monex Group provides detailed stock and rating information to help investors make informed decisions. This information includes stock profiles, stock prices, credit ratings, and analyst coverage, enabling investors to stay updated on the company's stock performance and market analysis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Monex Group is a legitimate online securities company based in Tokyo, Japan, regulated by the Financial Services Agency. They offer a wide range of market instruments, including domestic and international stocks, investment trusts, bonds, IPOs, and various trading services. Monex provides different trading platforms to cater to the needs of traders, and they offer flexible deposit and withdrawal options. While Monex Group has several advantages such as a diverse product lineup and regulated operations, some potential disadvantages may include transaction fees and spreads associated with certain products. Overall, Monex Group presents itself as a reputable option for individuals interested in online securities trading, backed by a strong regulatory framework and customer support channels.

FAQs

Q: What is the Global Vision business strategy of Monex Group？

A: The Global Vision is a comprehensive initiative that brings together all companies within Monex Group worldwide, aiming to establish a truly global online financial institution that generates beneficial synergies for all stakeholders.

Q: How does Monex Group aspire to be a Global Technology-based Retail Financial Service Provider？

A: Monex Group, formed through the merger of Monex, Inc. and Nikko Beans, Inc., leverages its expertise and strengths in the capital markets to become a leading Global Technology-based Retail Financial Service Provider.

Q: How does Monex Group disclose information？

A: Monex, Inc., a subsidiary of Monex Group, provides monthly disclosures. While the Monex, Inc. website is available only in Japanese, information about Monex Group, Inc., the parent company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, can be found in both Japanese and English on their website at https://www.monexgroup.jp/en/. This includes company information and news releases.

Q: What affiliations does Monex, Inc. have？

A: Monex, Inc. is a registered financial instruments firm under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (registered number 165). It is a member of several associations, including the Japan Securities Dealers Association, Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association, The Financial Futures Association of Japan, Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association, and Japan Investment Advisers Association.